Our Summary

This study aimed to evaluate a new method of repairing rectal prolapse (RP) in elderly patients using sedation and local anesthesia. Rectal prolapse is a condition, mainly seen in elderly people, where the rectum protrudes from the anus. The standard treatment can be risky for this age group, especially the general anesthesia part. The new method was tested on 10 female patients over 70 years old. The operations were successful without requiring general anesthesia. Two of the patients experienced a recurrence of RP within six months, but only one required further treatment. One patient died three months later, but this was not related to the procedure. There were no other complications during or after the surgery. This suggests that this new method could be a safer alternative to the current treatment for RP in the elderly, as it avoids the need for general anesthesia. However, this was a small, initial study carried out at one institution, so more research is needed.

FAQs

  1. What is the new method of rectal prolapse repair for elderly patients?
  2. What were the results of the study testing the new method for rectal prolapse surgery in elderly patients?
  3. Is this new method of rectal prolapse surgery considered safer for elderly patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rectal prolapse surgery using sedation and local anesthesia is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include taking prescribed medications, maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous activity, and attending follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider. It is also important for patients to communicate any concerns or changes in symptoms to their doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended rectal prolapse surgery are those who have tried conservative treatments such as dietary changes, pelvic floor exercises, and medications without success. Surgery may be recommended for patients who have severe symptoms such as persistent rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence, or chronic constipation. Additionally, patients who have a large rectal prolapse that is causing significant discomfort or affecting their quality of life may be candidates for surgery. It is important for patients to discuss their symptoms and treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine if surgery is the best course of action for their individual situation.

Timeline

Before rectal prolapse surgery:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of rectal prolapse such as a feeling of a bulge or tissue protruding from the anus, difficulty controlling bowel movements, and rectal bleeding.
  2. Patient undergoes a physical examination and diagnostic tests to confirm the diagnosis of rectal prolapse.
  3. Treatment options are discussed with the patient, including the risks and benefits of surgery.

After rectal prolapse surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the new method of repairing rectal prolapse under sedation and local anesthesia.
  2. The surgery is successful without requiring general anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with traditional surgery.
  3. Two patients experience a recurrence of rectal prolapse within six months, but only one requires further treatment.
  4. One patient dies three months later, but the death is not related to the procedure.
  5. No other complications are reported during or after the surgery.
  6. The new method shows promise as a safer alternative for elderly patients with rectal prolapse, but further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with rectal prolapse surgery, and how likely are they to occur?
  2. How long is the recovery process expected to be, and what can I do to help facilitate my recovery?
  3. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of following the surgery?
  4. How successful is this new method of repairing rectal prolapse compared to traditional methods?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up procedures after the surgery?
  6. What can I expect in terms of pain management during and after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to make any dietary or lifestyle changes following the surgery to prevent a recurrence of rectal prolapse?
  8. How experienced are you in performing this specific procedure, and what is your success rate with it?
  9. Are there any alternative treatment options available for rectal prolapse that I should consider?
  10. What is the long-term outlook for my condition following this surgery?

Reference

Authors: Milsom JW, Trencheva K, Gadalla F, Abramovitz S, Garrett KA. Journal: J Laparoendosc Adv Surg Tech A. 2021 Aug;31(8):911-916. doi: 10.1089/lap.2019.0804. Epub 2020 Oct 21. PMID: 33090077